Viikki Church

Finland has recently seen a revival of timber architecture in churches. A new addition to this genre is the Viikki Church, distinguished by the quality of its interiors, atmosphere and details. On the outside, the upper part of the building housing the church spaces, is clad with thick aspen shingles which will turn grey over time. The only indication of its religious identity is a stubby belltower and slender, barely noticeable metal cross. The lower, recreational section is generously windowed and clad with boards. The most exciting internal spaces are of course the religious ones which can be combined by opening the sliding doors dividing them. The church halls have windows about 2m high overlooking the landscape and a small garden, but the overall appearance, appropriately for a space of worship, is closed and inward-looking. The most striking features of these spaces are the wall construction and the ceiling, vaguely reminiscing Nordic Christmas decorations made of straw.